Stellenbosch was buzzing with excitement on Saturday 10 September 2022 when junior mountain bikers ascended on the picturesque Blaauwklippen Wine Estate to take part in the much-anticipated Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events and 15km Fun Ride.
Always a highlight on the SA mountain biking calendar, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events catered for ages 1 – 13 with junior MTB enthusiasts choosing between a: 500m (0-5 years), 1.5km (6-9 years) and a 5km (10 – 13 years) event.
It was a very happy Andreas Mouton (5) from Durbanville that crossed the finish line first in the 500m Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event. “I had fun,” says Andreas. “I like mountain biking because I like doing high jumps. I wanted to win.”
Oscar Manley (9) from Diep River was on a mission in the 1.5km Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event. “This is the first time that I take part in the event,” says Oscar, who’s father is a Fedhealth Member. “I did the 15km Fun Ride with my father earlier and then decided to do the 1.5km for fun. It was easy.”
Ilze Fortuin from Stellenbosch had a great time in the 5km Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event. “I really enjoyed the event,” says Ilze. “I enjoy going fast and winning. The route was very nice. I definitely want to come back next year.”
The Fedhealth MTB Challenge 15km Fun Ride was the ideal event for primary school children that were up for a challenge, and mountain bikers that were looking for an active start to their Saturday.
It was a very emotional day for Francois Kitching from Brackenfell who took part in the event in honour of his girlfriend who had passed away the previous Sunday. “She wasn’t a mountain biker, so we never rode together, but she supported me all the way,” says Francois. “I did today’s race for her, and I carried her with me the whole time.” Xander Jacobs came in second, while Ruben Hanekom finished third.
A regular at the Fedhealth MTB Challenge, it was all smiles when Edna Ytier from Somerset West crossed the finish line first. “I take part in this race every year,” says a very happy Edna. “It’s the vibe and the scenery that brings me back. I’m a schoolteacher and we do mountain biking at school. I encouraged all my kids to participate today, so I had to participate as well. The single track was by far the best part of today, oh my word it was divine. I with without a doubt come back next year with my kids.” Elrine Oosthuizen came in second, while Shantelle Visser finished third.
“Instilling a healthy and active lifestyle in our kids is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. As always, it’s encouraging to see so many young riders participating in the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids’ Events – enjoying the fresh air and loving every moment in these beautiful surroundings at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. This event grows every year, and I sincerely hope we’ll see an even bigger turnout next year!” says Jeremy Yatt, Fedhealth Principal Officer.
NEXT UP: Fedhealth MTB Challenge
Date: Sunday 11 September 2022
Venue: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Event: +- 60km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Marathon)
Time: 08:00
Entry Fee: R450.00 per rider (excludes CSA License)
Event: +-30km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Half Marathon)
Time: 08:30
Entry Fee: R350.00 per rider (excludes CSA License)
CSA Temp Licence: R60.00
The entry fee includes:
• an exclusive technical event t-shirt
• medals will be awarded to all finishers
• water points that will be fully stocked with THIRSTI water and THIRSTI Isofit+, as well as a fantastic THIRSTI hydration station at the finish
ROUTE INFORMATION: To find out more about the 2022 routes visit https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/fantastic-mountain-biking-on-the-cards-at-the-2022-fedhealth-mtb-challenge/
FREE ENTRY: Fedhealth members can enter free of charge – simply by typing in their membership number when entering online!
CHARITY SUPPORT: The 2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge proudly supports The Kindness Collaboration Project. When entering the event online mountain bikers can show their support by donating towards the cause. To find out more about the project visit https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/fedhealth-mtb-challenge-proudly-supports-the-kindness-collaboration-project/
PRIZE PURSE: The 2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge Marathon (+- 60km) will boast a R30 000 Prize Purse. The male and female winners will take home R7000.00 each, while runners up will take home R5000.00 with the third-place finishers securing R3000.00 each.
Facebook: Fedhealth Medical Aid / Stillwater MTB Events
Instagram: @fedhealthmed / @stillwater_mtb_events
Website: www.stillwatersports.com
For more information and/or to enter the 2022 Fedhealth MTB Challenge visit www.stillwatersports.com or email entries@stillwatersports.com
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